The Indian cricket team will begin their Asia Cup journey towards Pakistan on September 2nd in Kandy.
Team India unveiled its much-anticipated squad for the upcoming Asia Cup a number of days in the past. With the allowance of 17 squad members, the BCCI choice committee took a strategic method by accommodating all 4 gamers who have been on their comeback journey post-injury. Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna had already exhibited their regained health throughout the Ireland T20Is, instilling confidence in the team. Yet, the highlight remained mounted on Shreyas Iyer, who was poised to make his aggressive return after a pause of six months, and KL Rahul, final seen in motion throughout the IPL 2023, three months earlier.
While Iyer’s medical clearance introduced aid, a shadow of doubt loomed over Rahul’s bodily readiness. Chairman of the choice committee, Ajit Agarkar, disclosed that the wicketkeeper-batsman had encountered a minor setback, rendering his participation unsure for India’s opening conflict towards Pakistan scheduled for September 2.
Former India chief selector, Kris Srikkanth, voiced his disapproval of Rahul’s inclusion, citing issues concerning the choice method when grappling with uncertainty a few participant’s availability on the onset of the event.
Expressing his reservations about Rahul’s choice on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth remarked, “If a player is nursing an injury, it’s adviseable not to consider him for the squad. Our policy was straightforward: refrain from choosing a player who isn’t fully fit at the time of selection. If you’re eying a player for the World Cup, then earmark him for that event. But don’t waver. Now, the explanation provided is that he might be ready for action a couple of matches in, warranting the selection of Sanju Samson as a standby. What’s the thinking behind this ?”
Srikkanth proceeded to emphasize that India had faced shortcomings in the Asia Cup, evident from their failure to reach the final in the past year. Surrounding the squad for such a prestigious event cast an unfavorable light on the situation.
“The Asia Cup instructions equal significance as a premier competitors. Our absence from the ultimate in the final two editions signifies our wrestle. It’s crucial to safe a berth in the ultimate and ship commendable performances. The wavering stance on the World Cup squad choice additional compounds the confusion,” added Srikkanth, reflecting on the importance of consistency and readability in team choice for each occasions.
The Indian cricket team will begin their Asia Cup journey towards Pakistan on September 2nd in Kandy.
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